DPL - Know Religion!

The Pope, a Rabbi and Buddhist monk walk into a coffee shop. What would they talk about? Do they have anything in common?

Deschutes Public Library offers the opportunity to explore these and other questions during the Know Religion series during the month of December. From Hindu art to the foundation of Buddhist thought, local experts will explore a wide range of religious beliefs and practices. All programs are free and open to the public.

Programs

Jesus and the Early Christians Outside of the Bible
The primary source for the life of Jesus is the Bible, yet, other ancient authors wrote about him and his followers as well. Explore these other historical sources and archaeological findings in an interactive presentation by Mike Caba.

  Saturday, December 3, 2011, 2:00 pm
  East Bend Public Library

Hindu Art and the Four Goals of Life
Local artist and art educator Paula Bullwinkle discusses the Hindu art tradition and the role creative expression plays in the Hindu religion. Slide show, lecture, and discussion are followed by a creative project in color pencil, paint, and collage, illustrating a stylized version of a figure symbolizing your own life's goals. No experience necessary, and all art supplies are provided. No registration required. Free and open to the public.

  Sunday, December 4, 2011, 2:00 pm
  Sisters Public Library

  Thursday, December 8, 2011, 1:00 pm
  Sunriver Area Public Library

Four Noble Truths of Buddhism
Michael Stevens of the Natural Mind Dharma Center speaks on the foundation of Buddhist thought and awareness. The Four Noble Truths identify the difficulties we experience, their cause, their cessation, and a pathway to realizing freedom from habitual emotional reactions.

  Tuesday, December 6, 6:30 p.m.
  Downtown Bend Public Library

Science Friction: Controversies and Decision Making in a Democracy
Science and its products enrich our lives but also challenge many established ways of thinking. Some of these challenges have become quite contentious in political and cultural arenas. What roles should scientific theory, and personal and moral values, play in decision making in a democratic society? This program is sponsored through a partnership between the City Club of Central Oregon and Deschutes Public Library and funded in part by a grant from Oregon Humanities, a statewide nonprofit organization.

  Saturday, December 10, 2011, 2:00 p.m.
  Brooks Room, Downtown Bend Public Library

Wisdom & Compassion in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition
Michael Stevens of the Natural Mind Dharma Center will discuss the unique approach used by the Tibetan Buddhist tradition (made popular by the Dalai Lama) in waking up to our true nature of wisdom and compassion that is often obscured by habitual thoughts and mental distractions.

  Saturday, December 10, 3:00 p.m.
  East Bend Public Library

The Temple Mount in Jerusalem
For thousands of years this complex has been a holy site for believers of various faiths. During the presentation, Mike Caba examines the fascinating history of this area, which is still hotly debated today. The presentation also includes Mike’s experience as a volunteer on the only recent archaeological project to examine the Temple Mount.

  Tuesday, December 13, 2011, 6:30 p.m.
  Redmond Public Library